Management
Republicans signal targeted federal hiring surge and easier firing as priorities in the next Congress
Lawmakers are looking ahead toward legislation that will bring changes to the federal workforce.
Management
Bill enshrining skills-based hiring heads to Biden’s desk
The Senate last week passed the Chance to Compete Act by unanimous consent, and the House followed suit with a voice vote Monday.
Oversight
Fed employee advocate Connolly to lead Democrats on House Oversight Committee
The Virginia Democrat could be a leading opponent to Trump’s plans for overhauling the civil service.
Updated
Management
Congress aims to punt agency funding to March, but hurdles remain ahead of shutdown deadline
White House has warned that such a plan, without additional funds, could lead to hiring freezes at agencies.
Workforce
Last-ditch effort to block Schedule F’s return thwarted by Senate Republicans
Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., sought unanimous consent on the Senate floor to pass the Saving the Civil Service Act, but his motion was opposed by Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo.
Workforce
Federal employees could be more easily removed under new House bill
Rep. Barry Loudermilk’s, R-Ga., MERIT Act proposes radical civil service reforms, including repealing statutes governing unacceptable performance actions, ending union grievances based on adverse personnel actions and prohibiting furlough appeals.
Oversight
Legislation to promote better federal building security set to be signed into law
Multiple watchdogs have recently criticized the effectiveness of security at government facilities.
Oversight
3 key findings on the Trump assassination attempt in Butler, Pa.
The congressional panel investigating assassination attempts on Donald Trump issued its final report this week.
Pay & Benefits
Schumer tells feds he’ll call a vote on windfall elimination provision repeal
The Social Security Fairness Act, which would repeal to controversial tax provisions affecting some federal workers and retirees, has 63 sponsors in the Senate, more than the 60 votes needed to force a vote on the measure.
Pay & Benefits
Lawmakers call on Biden to grant feds a 4.5% raise in 2025, restoring pay parity
President Biden previously came under fire from federal employee groups and some lawmakers for proposing only a 2.0% average pay raise for civilian workers, abandoning a longstanding Democratic priority.
Management
House committee piles on criticism of DeJoy’s postal overhaul plans
USPS’ inspector general said there hasn’t yet been improvements to service timeliness and reliability.
Management
Federal telework would be capped under a new House bill
Rep. Andy Ogles’ Show Up To Work Act would limit telework at federal agencies to 25% per pay period and require agency heads to certify performance gains for individual waivers.
Defense
Some Republicans remain unsold on Hegseth
Sexual-assault allegation cited along with other concerns about Trump's pick for defense secretary.
Pay & Benefits
No expansion of military IVF coverage included in the final defense policy bill
Congress is expected to vote to approve the package during the next two weeks, before both chambers leave town for the holiday break.
Management
New data shows why it's taking the Senate longer to confirm presidential appointees
President-elect Trump is already pressuring senators to let him bypass, under certain conditions, the Senate’s oftentimes lengthy confirmation process for appointees.
Management
Trump’s agenda will face hurdles in Congress, despite the Republican ‘trifecta’ of winning the House, Senate and White House
Six straight presidents have begun their terms with party control of the White House and Congress, but that hasn't always made it an easy path for governing.
Oversight
Despite critical report, Biden hasn’t taken disciplinary action against DHS watchdog
It’s been about two months since an oversight committee substantiated allegations that DHS inspector general Joseph Cuffari abused his authority, with no word of potential White House action.
Management
Congressional Democrats want more guardrails for presidential nominees
Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Rep. Andy Kim, D-N.J., have a pair of companion bills calling for certain administration nominees to report any work or compensation received from a foreign government.
Oversight
Marjorie Taylor Greene to head new government efficiency subcommittee
The panel will work closely with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy’s advisory Department of Government Efficiency.
Management